Sue has been teaching pregnancy and birth preparation in Melbourne since 2005. Workshops are inclusive of LGBTIQ+ individuals and couples.
****Please note birth workshops while in lockdown will be online. A return to in-person will be determined on advice from DHHS and cannot be guaranteed at this time. Thank you for your patience and understanding during these challenging times.
Facilitated by Sue Power and Jo Watson.
Support the transition to becoming a parent, and to build confidence and develop coping skills as new parents
** THRIVE is currently being run online during lockdowns and a return to face to face will be guided by DHHS Covid-19 recommendations.
When embarking on this new journey of parenthood there can be challenging transitions and a range of emotions. THRIVE aims to provide a safe, non-judgemental and nurturing environment to build confidence and develop coping skills as a new mother. Over 9 weeks we explore a different theme that includes mindfulness strategies to enable you to:
Themes include Creative and Intuitive Parenting, the Challenges of Parenting in this Current Era, Identity as Mothers and Self-discovery, Navigating and Nurturing Relationship Changes, Birth Journeys, Love, Intimacy and Sexuality, Maintaining Life Balance and Wellbeing, Creating Community and Family Rituals.
Babies are welcomed into the space as part of the course. Open to any new mother or person who has given birth, with babies from 0-6 months of age. Numbers limited due to current Covid-safe restrictions.
Facilitators Sue Power and Jo Watson have a combined experience of over 30 years working with women and families. They each bring their own unique qualities and skills to these courses.
Cost:
In person courses – $360 for the full 9 weeks
The cost includes comprehensive emails, supportive weekly practices and access to guided relaxations.
We are currently not running any further THRIVE courses due to the ongoing lockdowns and inability to run courses in person. We hope to begin again in 2022.
Our next group we hope will begin in late Jan 2021. If interested please contact Sue for enrolment details.
Practical and emotional birth preparation and education
***Please note birth courses are currently run online during lockdown and a return to in-person will change according to DHSS recommendations.
The calmbirth® philosophy is based on the belief that pregnancy, labour and birth are normal life events and that birth is a natural process. The calmbirth® workshops draw on contemporary birth physiology and neuroscience giving couples a greater understanding of the birthing process whilst aiming to understand and reduce fear and anxiety. With greater knowledge and understanding, women and their partners are able to feel confident to make informed decisions around their birth choices.
The workshops combine an understanding of the birthing process, the hormones of labour and birth and practical skills for managing pain, sensations and challenges of labour, that include breathing, relaxation and visualisation techniques, positioning and massage. Life after birth and the transition to parenthood and the role of the partner/support is also emphasised.
The comprehensive course is complementary to all models of care – private or public, birth centre or home-birth and are not an alternative to the birthing choices you have already made. You will gain practical knowledge and skills whether this is your first or third baby, or hoping to achieve a vaginal birth after a previous caesarean (VBAC). Refresher classes are also available for subsequent pregnancies if you’ve completed the original course.
The cost (in person) is $550 per couple which includes the booklet, downloads and refreshments. ($150 non-refundable deposit secures your enrolment). If the course reverts to online the cost will be reduced.
Weekend workshops run from 9am to approx 4.30pm over two days.
UPCOMING DATES
Please click on the booking link below for availability or the option of a waiting list.
** Please be in touch if you are experiencing financial difficulties (there are a limited number of spaces available for those experiencing significant financial hardship due to Covid-19).
Courses when in person will be held at our new venue in Brunswick – PULSE, 149B Glenlyon Rd
2021
8th & 15th of August REGISTER HERE
5th & 12th of September REGISTER HERE
3rd & 10th of October REGISTER HERE
7th & 14th of November REGISTER HERE
5th & 12th of December REGISTER HERE
2022
January 30th & February 6th REGISTER HERE
February 27th & March 6th REGISTER HERE
March 20th & 27th
(No courses in April)
May 15th & 22nd
# Affiliated Private Health Funds that may be applicable for rebates: Teachers Federation Health, NIB, Australian Unity, BUPA Australia, AHM, The Doctors Health Fund, CBHS, GU Health and Defence Health will cover part of the costs of birth education classes run by a Midwife or Midwifery Antenatal Services* depending on your level of cover.
(HCF, Manchester Unity, RT Health, Latrobe Health, GMHBA, Medibank Private do not cover any costs for privately run birth classes).
*If you are a member of any health insurer not mentioned above who guarantees part of the cost of birth classes please contact Sue
Give yourself the opportunity to receive the support of meditation to help you find moments of rest and quiet. These practices can support your capacity to manage stress, emotional fatigue and re-set your nervous system, particularly post Covid-19 and managing ongoing stressors. A space and stillness to rejuvenate and restore the mind and body.